St Buryan Primary School
Penzance, TR19 6BB · Cornwall · primary school
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173rd of 218 primary schools in Cornwall we can score, 236 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 1.3/10 against 2,490 of them, against 1.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Buryan Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils visit the Isles of Scilly, London, and the Eden Project. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 61 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to move from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to close the gap with the national median in reading, writing, and maths? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing these attainment figures?
What Ofsted said about St Buryan Primary School
Overview
St Buryan Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are happy, kind, and resilient. Leaders maintain high expectations, fostering a ‘strong, caring and community feel’ that parents appreciate. The school provides an ambitious curriculum and effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate ‘highly positive attitudes to learning’ and are not afraid to ‘have a go’, supporting each other to do their best.
- There is a ‘consistent phonics programme’ with staff training ensuring pupils catch up quickly and read with confidence and enjoyment.
- Pupils with SEND learn alongside classmates, with staff adapting learning effectively to help them ‘feel confident while developing their independence’.
- Leaders provide diverse opportunities, including competitive sport and ‘Believe, Achieve, Aspire’ days, which help pupils understand diversity and prepare for future education.
- Staff feel well supported, with leaders ensuring workload is manageable and caring about their well-being.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must use assessment information to ensure all pupils’ learning ‘suitably challenges them’, as some currently do not make as much progress as they could.
- The early years curriculum is ‘not as well considered’ as the rest of the school; leaders must ensure activities consistently promote children’s interest and curiosity to prevent stalled progress.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training, reporting concerns promptly, and pupils knowing how to keep safe, including online.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 86% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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